Drivers across the UK are been warned to watch out for text messages from scammers purporting to be from the DVLA.

“FINAL REQUEST: ‘DVLA Swansea have been trying to contact you, Click below for more information.”

The DVLA’s since announced that it never sends texts or emails that invite recipients to share personal information.

People have been advised against clicking the link provided in the text messages. The link will direct the user to a website infected with Malware.

Malware is a virus designed to steal personal information from PCs, phones and tablets.

A DVLA spokesperson commented on the matter. They said: “We are aware that some members of the public are receiving emails and texts claiming to be from DVLA. Anyone getting these should delete the message and don’t click the link.”

Many recipients have been duped by the use of current DVLA logos and fonts in the messages.

A similar scam was reported last year. Under the guise of the DVLA, fraudsters sent emails inviting recipients to follow a link that would direct them to a ‘secure web form’. This form would capture their information, which would then be stored illegally.

Staying abreast of data privacy laws and methods of cyber attack is vital for anyone. Business owners, however, should be particularly wary. Ensuring staff are aware of the legalities of data collection, and implementing procedures to prevent illegal uses of private information, is necessary. Not only to maintain repute, but to remain compliant with the law.

In the road transport industry concerns over fraud are growing. Recent reports of data manipulation have caused authorities, such as the DVSA, to exercise increased vigilance when monitoring driver and operator practices.